Makalu Base Camp Trek

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One of the most popular trekking destinations among solitary trekkers, Makalu Base Camp offers an exceptional opportunity to explore high-altitude terrains, snow-clad landscapes and ethnic Himalayan lifestyle. Makalu Base Camp trek has earned its popularity for its remoteness and wilderness as it takes us deep into the high Himalayas and remains as one of the most unfrequented trekking routes of Nepal. This is a region where we hardly find any modern facilities and amenities but the stunning natural surroundings and rich flora-fauna abound on this region will surely leave us mesmerized. For avid trekkers and nature enthusiasts who seek solace and tranquility in pristine natural habitat and those who wish to avoid crowds, Makalu Base Camp is an ideal choice.

Our journey begins with an hour-long flight to Tumlingtar whereas the real trek starts from Chichila (3-hour's drive from Tumlingtar). The trek is arduous with either ascending or descending trails with rare flat walking sections. The lower reaches of the trail are renowned for their lushness with verdant rhododendron forests whereas the upper reaches of the trail comprise of polished granite cliffs capped by hanging glaciers, overflowing with waterfalls. As we ascend, we rise from the lowland of Tumlingtar on to one of the highest base camps at almost 5000 meters.

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu & Transfer to hotel – (1,300m/4,264ft)Upon our arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, we will be warmly greeted by a representative from Himalayan World Adventure. We will then be escorted to Hotel. We can rest in our hotel and stroll around the local streets in the evening. Himalayan World Adventure will organize a welcome dinner in an excellent traditional Nepalese restaurant where we enjoy a Nepalese cultural program and a fine meal. Overnight in Kathmandu. Included meal: Dinner (D)

Note: B refers to Breakfast, L refers to Lunch and D refers to Dinner

Day 02: Kathmandu City Sightseeing: Trip Preparation Day

Today after breakfast we start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. Some of these landmarks are World Heritage Sites; including the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupati Nath, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambhunath) and Buddhists shrine (BouddhaNath) which is one of the large Stupas in the world. At noon, there will be a pre-trip discussion where we meet our trek leader and team members. Himalayan World Adventure briefs us regarding our trek as well as answer queries that we may have regarding our trek. Overnight in Kathmandu.(B)

Day 03:Fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar & drive to Chichira (1,980m/6497ft): 9/10 hours

After breakfast, we will be escorted to the domestic terminal of Kathmandu airport for morning flight to Tumlingtar), a gateway destination from where our trek begins. After an adventurous 50 minute flight above the breathtaking green and white mountains, we reach the Tumlingtar airport. Upon arrival at Tumlingtar, we meet our other crew members and after some arrangements, we drive towards Chichira which takes 3-4 hours. Overnight at Chichira. (B,L,D)

Day 04: Chichira to Num (1,560m/5119ft): 6/7 hours

We start early in the morning and head towards Num right after a warm breakfast. A moderately paced walk through the picturesque villages and lush mountain forests will take us to Num. A ridge line with great views on both side and perched on the end, this is Num for us. Overnight in Num. (B,L,D)

Day 05:Num to Seduwa (1,500m/4922 ft): 6/7 hours

Seduwa village is situated in parallel to Num. A steep descent down through the forests and terraced plots of land takes us to Barun river. We cross the river and follow an equally steep ascent up the other side again. Often quite hot - the forest on the valley sides offer a bit of shade. This is where Makalu Barun National Park starts and where we register our permits. We camp right at the top of the village. Overnight in Seduwa. (B,L,D)

Day 06: Seduwa to Tashigaon (2,100m/6890 ft): 4/5 hours

Ascend the ridge bounded by the Ipsuwa Khola on the west and Kasuwa Khola to the east. Crossing the hillside through quiet villages and passing by small paddy fields, we reach the exotic village of Tashi Gaon. Once there, we are surrounded by breathtaking Himalayan panorama. Overnight in Tashigaon. (B,L,D)

Day 07: Tashigaon to Khongma Danda (3,500m/11,483 ft): 6/7 hours

This will be a tough day with an elevation over 1400 meters on a steep trail. We will ascend through forests to a stream and then onto a ridge. From here the trail gets even steeper and passes a Kharka (grazing land) and finally follows a series of rough stone stairs and small lakes ascending to the top of the ridge. From here it’s a short way down to Khongma. Overnight in Khongma Danda. (B,L,D)

Day 08: Acclimatization / Rest Day

We rest for the day and acclimatize ourselves with the atmospheric level in the high terrains before we go further up. The day off will allow some bodily rest before we take on crossing of the Shipton La the next day. For those who wish to explore the nearby surrounding can walk around the area. Overnight in Khongma Danda. (B,L,D)

Day 09: Khongma Danda to Dobate: 6/7 hours

Climb towards the summit of the Shipton La which takes a few hours to reach. After the lake Kalo Pokhari (3930m), pass over the Keke La at 4,170m. We can see the marvelous views of Chamlang (7321m), Peak 6 (6,524m) and Peak 7 (6,758m). After crossing the Keke La pass, we descend down through the beautiful valley to Dobate. Overnight at Dobate.(B,L,D)

Day 10: Dobate to Yangri Kharka (3,557m/11,670 ft): 6/7 hours

From Dobate, we pass through the rhododendron forest which leads to the Barun River and the upper reaches of the valley. We should be very careful during the first two hours of trek as it is steep and arduous with possibility of rocks falls and landslides during the trek. We then take a pleasant walk, slowly gaining altitude until we arrive at Yangri Kharka (pasture land) situated at the base of the valley. Overnight at Yangri Kharka.(B,L,D)

Day 11:Yangri Kharka to Langmale Kharka: (4410m/14468ft): 5/6 hours

Following a moderate walk to the valley, we pass through yak pastures, lush forests and boulder fields. The valley walls tower imposingly above us during the start of the trek. We pass Merek as we make our way further up and notice a significance rise in the scenic Himalayan views. Overnight in Langmale Kharka. (B,L,D)

Today is the day we make it to the Base Camp. Make sure that we acclimatize well before walking up to the camp. From Langmale Kharka we make our way up to Shershong and eventually to Makalu Base Camp. The trail is flat with icy glaciers and snow clad mountains accompanying us. Mount Makalu comes into view as we approach Shershong. Majestic Himalayan panorama surrounds us as we make our way to the camp. Overnight at Makalu Base Camp. (B,L,D)

Day 13:Explore Makalu Base Camp

The Base Camp is a rocky barren place with large Barun Glacier beyond, where we get the chance to take in the breath taking views of the summit. From here we will have a magnificent south face view of Makalu and see the complete panorama of Everest and Lhotse. We can explore the surrounding lakes, glaciers and go for a short trek up from here if we wish or celebrate our accomplishment at the camp itself. Overnight at Makalu Base Camp. (B,L,D)

Day 14:Makalu Base Camp to Yangri Kharka: 6/7 hours

We descend down from the base camp and and take our last glimpse of Makalu before turning the corner and heading back. On our way down, we pass through Shershong, Langmale Kharka, Merek and descend down the valley finally stopping at Yangri Kharka. Overnight at Yangri Kharka.(B,L,D)

Day 15:Yangri Kharka to Dobate: 6/7 hours

From Yangri Kharka we descend through rock falls, verdant forests and the valley, making our way towards Dobate. We follow the river banks of Barun as we descend down the trail. Overnight at Dobate. (B,L,D)

Day 16:Dobate to Khongma Danda: 5/6 hours

We begin the trek with steep climb from Dobate to Mumbuk (Nambuk) and through a forest of firs and rhododendrons. We then cross the Keke La, Tutu La (Shipton’s Pass) and Kauma La en route. We then descend to Khongma Danda again. Overnight in Khongma Danda. (B,L,D)

Day 17: Khongma Danda to Tashigaon: 4/5 hours

The trek continues with continuous long and steep descent cutting through the hillsides. The trail takes us through thick forests and finally making it to the indigenous Sherpa village of Tashigaon. Overnight in Tashigaon.(B,L,D)

Day 18: Tashigaon to Seduwa: 4/5 hours

We retrace our steps as we exit the Makalu Barun National Park and descend down to Barun River. We then cross the hillside and come across villages and settlements as we move further down finally stopping at Seduwa again. Overnight at Seduwa. (B,L,D)

Day 19: Seduwa to Num: 5/6 hours

We further trek through the forest for about 5 to 6 hours from Seduwa to Num. The trail goes up and down and passes through dense forests and Sherpa villages as we move downwards. Overnight at Num.(B,L,D)

Day 20: Num to Tumlingtar: 6/7 hours

Again we retrace our footsteps to Chichira from where we can savor the glorious vista of Mount Makalu for the last time. The final return leg of the trek will see us overnight at Tumlingtar, ready for an early departure to Kathmandu the following day. Overnight at Tumlingtar.(B,L,D)

Day 21: Tumlingtar to Kathmandu: 50 minute flight

Today, we fly back to Kathmandu after our long trek in the mountains. We can rest and relax throughout the day at hotel. In the evening we will be at a fantastic celebration dinner together for successfully completing Makalu Base Camp Trek by Himalayan World Adventure! Overnight in Kathmandu. (B, D)

Day 22: Final departure

Our journey in Nepal comes to an end today! A Himalayan World Adventure representative will drop us off at the airport approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight. On our way home, we will have plenty of time to plan our next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal. (B)

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING DURING THE TRIP:

All airport/hotel transfers

3 nights in hotel in Kathmandu

Welcome and farewell dinner

All accommodation and meals during the trek

A full day sightseeing tour in Kathmandu valley including tour guide and entrance fees